Ring - Piston: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Dodge Magnum, 2006 Dodge Charger, and 2006 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Piston Rings

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - TOP PISTON RING

2 - CHROME INTERMEDIATE PISTON RING

3 - MICRO-NAPIER INTERMEDIATE PISTON RING

4 - OIL CONTROL RINGS

5 - SPACER

Measure clearance of piston rings to the cylinder bore and piston. (Refer to ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON RINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE) .
The No. 1 and No. 2 piston rings have a different cross section. See Fig 1. Insure that which ever design No. 2 ring is installed, it is installed with manufacturers I.D. mark (dot) facing up, towards top of the piston (Refer to ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON RINGS - DESCRIPTION) . See Fig 1.

Fig 2: Side Rail - Installation
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - SIDE RAIL END

CAUTION: Install piston rings in the following order:
1. Oil ring expander.
2. Lower oil control ring side rail.
3. Upper oil control ring side rail.
4. No. 2 Intermediate piston ring.
5. No. 1 Upper piston ring.
Install the side rail by placing one end between the piston ring groove and the spacer. Hold end firmly and press down the portion to be installed until side rail is in position. Do not use a piston ring expander tool during this step. See Fig 2 .

Fig 3: Upper And Intermediate Rings
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Install lower side rail first and then the upper side rail.
The No. 1 and No. 2 piston rings have a different cross section. See Fig 3. Insure that which ever design No. 2 ring is installed, it is installed with manufacturers I.D. mark (dot) facing up, towards top of the piston (Refer to ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON RINGS - DESCRIPTION) .

Install No. 2 piston ring and then No. 1 piston ring. See Fig 3.

Fig 4: Piston Ring End Gap Position

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - SIDE RAIL UPPER

2 - NO. 1 RING GAP

3 - PISTON PIN

4 - SIDE RAIL LOWER

5 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP

Position piston ring end gaps as shown in Fig 4.
Position oil control ring expander gap at least 45° from the side rail gaps but not on the piston pin center or on the thrust direction. Staggering ring gap is important for oil control.